Manchester transfer planning

National Express are by far the biggest brand

Megabus too.

This is the timetable for the Manchester Airport to Liverpool National Express coach

https://timetables.nationalexpress.com/routes/NX/170/Leeds-Liverpool/

and this is the Megabus timetable-
https://uk.megabus.com/journey-planner/journeys?days=1&concessionCount=0&departureDate=2023-02-06&destinationId=54&inboundOtherDisabilityCount=0&inboundPcaCount=0&inboundWheelchairSeated=0&nusCount=0&originId=278&otherDisabilityCount=0&pcaCount=0&totalPassengers=1&wheelchairSeated=0

Flixbus don't run that route.

You can do it by local bus but it takes for ever so is not recommended- firstly you would have to get the tram to Manchester, local bus 100 from Manchester Shudehill Interchange (above Victoria Station) to Warrington (run by Go North West)- takes around 90 minutes, then local bus 7 from Warrington to Liverpool One which takes a further 90 minutes or more (operated by Arriva)- so a 4 hour plus journey time, which is just plain tedious.

so just stick with the NatEx or Megabus coach.

To be honest it's so little money (£8 each), book NatEx now, on a fully refundable ticket, then your insurance plan is in place. If not needed, just cancel the ticket or the advance ticket at £3.50 is so cheap that you can just throw it away if not needed. Once/if strikes are announced the coaches will fill up very fast.

Oh I never even thought of that, thank you! After an overnight flight, I don't want to be dealing with too many unknowns.

Thanks for the info, I figured NE was out best bet, but I knew there were experts around!